The garden will be open from 10am to midday on Saturday, September 10, with an array of activities and workshops on how to get started on growing your own food.

Convener of the not-for-profit Queanbeyan Sustainability Group Katrina Willis said the open day will be a refresher on basic know-how, and will help teach the basics to first-time gardeners.

Two presenters, CIT horticulture teacher Keith Colls and Queanbeyan Sustainability Group’s Tom Baker will inform on different garden set-ups, from backyard plots to courtyard and balcony gardens, and composting. 

Mr Colls will speak from 10.30am on a variety of areas including growing in the right season, soil, water, aspect and essential tools and equipment. 

Mr Baker’s presentation will run from 11.20am and will focus on composting essentials and different ways to compost, including using a worm farm.

“Provided your garden receives the minimum amount of sunlight needed, you can garden almost anywhere and in many kinds of containers,” Ms Willis said.

Take home advice including planting guides will be available on the day, and seedlings provided by Bunnings Fyshwick will also be given away.

“For those who feel inspired after the presentations, we have several plots for rent. This includes two plots we have just built with the help of a $1500 grant from Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. The grant is also funding edging upgrades for established plots,” Ms Willis said. 

She said the grants help keep the fees low, which make the garden accessible to more people. 

Entry to the community garden open day is free, but a gold coin donation is welcome. Morning tea will be available for a gold coin donation. All funds raised from the day will be reinvested into the garden.

The Railway Park Organic Community Garden is located near the railway line in Henderson Road, Queanbeyan. Parking is availabe on Henderson Road or Crest Road, or the walking and cycling path runs directly beside the garden.

Visitors are required to wear closed shoes in the garden for safety reasons.